ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

TRICYCLE is an acoustic trio that explores the many different improvisational modes within the overall "Jazz" tradition. The members of Tricycle have performed hundreds of gigs together in various NYC bands. Together they have toured the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Hungary, Austria, the UK and they have appeared on over a dozen CDs together as in-demand sidemen. The high degree of empathy and communication displayed by Tricycle is no doubt the result of playing together in so many diverse situations. Tricycle is now performing in NYC and touring Europe to promote the trio's self-titled CD.REVIEWS"Jody Espina's inventive saxophone playing... is reminiscent of Sonny Rollins, with a nice full tone, and a boxers mentality of searching for improvisational openings." JAMBANDS.COM

“(FOUR STARS) Sturm’s style encompasses elements of classical, American roots music and flamenco, and he mixes them so seamlessly and constantly that they become their own anagram. Regardless of his approach, each piece is suffused with tremendous energy and movement.” - James Hale “Six String Magicians” DOWNBEAT Feb 2011

"When Rob Henke plays, you feel as though he were talking to you and the trumpet is just a tool to broaden the possibilities of the human voice." AMAZON.COM

BAND MEMBERSSaxophonist Jody Espina is a multi-instrumentalist. He has performed with Patti Page, the Charlie Persip Superband, Mel Torme, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Illuminati, the Walter Thompson Orchestra, Feed The Meter, and many others. He works as a regular substitute on Broadway and he frequently records for TV, films, and CDs. Jody is also the president of JodyJazz Saxophone and Clarinet Mouthpieces.

Guitarist Rolf Sturm has performed and/or recorded with Tony Trischka, Anthony Braxton, Billy Martin, Bob Mintzer, Illuminati, Eddy Arnold, Dave Douglas, the Walter Thompson Orchestra, Ethan Iverson, and others. His latest solo recording was awarded 4 stars in DownBeat magazine and he has performed on soundtracks for film and television. He has released numerous CDs on the Water Street Music label and has had his music featured on NPR’s “All Things Considerd” and “All Songs Considered”.

Trumpeter Rob Henke records, works, and tours with many New york City bands including Dr. Nerve, Gary Lucas’ Fast and Bulbous, The Spirit of Life Ensemble, Diane Moser’s Composer’s Big Band, Illuminati, the Walter Thompson Orchestra, and many others. He has recorded numerous CDs as a leader on Cuneform and M-cons East record labels.

There are are so many great things to say about this wonderful recording by the gifted “Tricycle” ensemble, but (with your indulgence) here are the first impressions that spring to mind:

They are fearless and virtuosic American jazz musicians - considerable feats in and of themselves - that have somehow transcended the common traps of ego, pointless formality, and humorlessness that (to me) have been draining some of the life from the American jazz scene for quite awhile...

Their music is full of life, infused with the spirit of camaraderie and open-hearted collective improvisation that gets right to the heart of the matter. This is a wonderfully balanced workout for the heart, mind, and soul - a celebration of collective creativity that tells its lilfe-sized story in a very direct way - but also refreshes, nourishes, challenges, prods, teases, and playfully pokes fun at a number of musical sacred cows along the way.

The story that Tricycle tells is aided immeasurably by the fact that all three are brilliant musicians at the top of their game, with the understated confidence that comes only with a bit of musical mileage (and, perhaps some gray hair), by and a flawless and honest recording (by engineer Frank Fagnano).

Jody Espina seems to simultaneously remind me of all the things that I love about the playing of Steve Coleman, Charlie Mariano, Lee Konitz, and Steve Slagle - but clearly with his own voice fully blossomed, and a lyricism that is downright intoxicating. And Rolf Sturm seems to thrive in what - in lessor hands - would be a very demanding setting. Somehow, he fulfills the role if lone harmonic “sherpa” - while still managing full-out and enthusiastic participation in the spontaneous improvisational high-wire act on display! Bravo Rolf. And Rob Henke playing is so uplifting and joyful - perfectly aligned with the natural sonic inclinations of the trumpet - with the courage to shoot for the stars, the talent to deliver, the empathy to hear music like a non-musician, and the humility and wisdom to smile through the artistic process. He is a musical gem.

Congratulations to all involved on a wonderful and uplifting recording - and heartfelt thanks for sharing it!